Four years after launching a sweeping transformation of Punjab’s education system, the Bhagwant Mann Government is now setting its sights on a bigger goal: turning Punjab into the country’s leading education destination and reversing the long-held perception that quality education can only be found abroad. Pointing to Punjab’s rise past Kerala in national education rankings, the growing dominance of girls among board toppers, and the success of 359 government school students in JEE Main, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state’s Sikhya Kranti (Education Revolution) has begun delivering tangible results on the ground.
Speaking at the ‘Sitaare Zameen Te’ programme in Chandigarh, where top-performing Class 8, 10 and 12 students were honoured, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab’s government schools are no longer struggling for recognition but are setting new benchmarks for excellence, confidence and opportunity across the country.
Sharing a few snippets from this heartfelt gathering on X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Today in Chandigarh, I had the privilege of honouring the meritorious Class 8, 10 and 12 toppers of the Punjab School Education Board during the ‘Sitaare Zameen Te’ programme. On the occasion, I issued special instructions to the Education Department that students securing equal marks should be awarded a joint first position instead of deciding ranks on the basis of date of birth. Today, due to the dedicated efforts of your government, Punjab’s government schools are surpassing even Kerala in the field of education.”
“My message to the students is simple: no matter how successful you become in life, always remain grounded. Always respect your teachers and parents, because even a winner has to bow down to receive a medal. My heartfelt best wishes to all of you for a bright and successful future,” the post concluded.
Addressing the gathering during the “Sitaare Zameen Te” function organised to felicitate top-performing students from districts across Punjab, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state’s ‘Shikhya Kranti’ (Education Revolution) has transformed the aspirations of students studying in government schools and opened new avenues of opportunity for them.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, “When I assumed office, nearly four lakh children in Punjab were studying while sitting on the floor. Today, due to the concerted efforts of the Punjab Government, not a single child has to sit on the floor to study. Punjab is now securing top positions in almost every national report related to the education sector.”
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and Punjab Prabhari Manish Sisodia stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in the country’s examination system. He said, “The outdated examination system in the country must be replaced. Incidents like the leakage of examinations such as NEET are ruining the futures of countless students. Instead of relying on a system rooted in the 19th century, examinations should evaluate the overall competence and capabilities of students rather than confining assessment to a three-hour test.”
Students Share How Punjab’s ‘Shikhya Kranti’ Is Transforming Their Schools, Confidence and Aspirations
Students who participated in the event also expressed appreciation for the Punjab Government’s efforts to strengthen education. Harleen Sharma from Jaito in Faridkot district thanked CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for consistently encouraging students and motivating them to pursue excellence. Nikhil Pandey, a student of Government School Rupana in Sri Muktsar Sahib district, presented a poem dedicated to his teachers and thanked CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for inspiring students in government schools to dream big and work towards achieving those dreams.
Suhani Chauhan from Ludhiana said that the Punjab Government’s educational initiatives have significantly enhanced students’ confidence in government schools and appreciated CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for encouraging students to speak and perform on public platforms. Anmolpreet Kaur, a Class XI student from a Government School in Zira, said that the Punjab Government has made education more accessible by providing transportation facilities for girls. She also highlighted the installation of an elevator in her school and shared that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann had assured students that he would visit the school soon.